Question

Account for the diamagnetic behaviour of Zn²⁺ ions.

Answer 1

1. The electronic configuration of Zn atom is [Ar] 3d¹⁰ 4s².
2. When Zn forms a Zn²⁺ ion, it loses two 4s electrons.
3. As a result, Zn²⁺ has the configuration [Ar] 3d¹⁰.
4. All the 3d electrons in Zn²⁺ are paired.
5. The absence of unpaired electrons makes Zn²⁺ ion diamagnetic.
6. Diamagnetic substances are not attracted by a magnetic field because they have no unpaired electrons.

Thus, Zn²⁺ ion is diamagnetic due to its fully filled and paired 3d orbitals.